Message Notes for June 7, 2020

Series: Finding Strength

Title: Finding Strength to Turn the Other Cheek

Series Verse: Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Matthew 5:38-47 NLT

38 “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. 39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. 40 If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. 41 If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. 42 Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.

43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 

Ways we can turn the other cheek with racial injustice.

• Love and pray for our enemies.

• Show kindness instead of hate.

• Seek institutional change.

• Establish safe relationships with someone different.

• Be an advocate for culture change.

• Become aware and knowledgeable. 

Family/Group Study Notes for the Week of June 7, 2020

Series: Finding Strength

Title:  Finding Strength to Turn the Other Cheek

• Share with each other what you are feeling or experiencing with the increased racial divisions and injustice going on in our country right now?  

• Why do you think people are on different sides of this issue?  What do you see as the issues?  What would Jesus do in this situation?  

• What makes you the angriest or most frustrated as these problems continue to arise?  Why do you think they do continue to occur?  

• What can you do to make a difference?  What could be a response and action from Christians?

• Read Matthew 5:38-47. What is Jesus asking us to do in this passage as Christians? How is this even possible with all that is going on in our country right now?  

• How is living out this passage the most difficult for you?  What situation?  What issue? What will you do about it? 

• Read vs. 44-45.  What is the promise in this passage?  What does Jesus mean by this statement? 

• Read vs.46-47. How does this statement from Jesus separate the Christian from how the rest of the world tends to operate?  Why is this important?  What is the ultimate goal?